Ben Duckett has produced a sensational knock of 133 to put England into contention against India after day two of the third Test in Rajkot.
India began the day on 326-5 and were able to advance to 445 all out, putting England under pressure, yet Duckett came out at the top of the innings to compile an unbeaten 133 off just 118 balls.
England were able to reach 207-2 - moving them to within 238 of India's total - and it leaves the outcome of what could prove to be a pivotal contest in the balance.
Both teams may been left disappointed with India posting 445 in their first innings, a consequence of England striking twice early on day two and India subsequently responding with a 77-run partnership for the eighth wicket.
Ravindra Jadeja was eventually out for 112 after being caught and bowled by Root, but Dhruv Jurel (46), Ravichandran Ashwin (37) and Jasprit Bumrah (26) were excellent down the order.
The fastest English century against India 🏏🏴
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) February 16, 2024
Take a bow, Ben Duckett 👏#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/4hxvr2DaQ1
Rehan Ahmed (2-85) and Mark Wood (4-114) helped end their resilience, but it left England with a tricky spell before tea and the closing session to negotiate in order to remain competitive.
Duckett ensured that England did more than that, reaching his century from just 88 balls and ending the day with an outrageous 21 fours and two sixes; England have only batted for 35 overs.
Zak Crawley (15) and Ollie Pope (39) have been dismissed, with Joe Root unbeaten on nine, but the day belonged to Duckett whose knock must be considered as one of the best tons by an England batsman in recent memory.
Darren Plant
